The Rock and the River

The Rock and the River
By Kekla Magoon
Aladdin, 2009. 290 pgs. Young Adult

It's 1968, and fourteen-year-old Sam finds himself in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. His father is a follower of Martin Luther King, Jr., and his civil disobedience. However, Sam's older brother gets involved with the Black Panthers, who want to take a more forceful approach to getting equality. Soon, Sam has to decide if he'll be a rock like his dad or a river like his brother.

This book was an interesting look at an important part of American history. Through Sam's dilemma, readers gain a deeper understanding of the two different theories regarding civil rights. The family relationships were well-developed, adding another layer of interest to the story.

AE